Ways to Overcome Common Barriers to Exercise

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Common barriers to exercise and how to push through.

“I don’t have time.”	Exercise doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment. Even 10 minutes here and there add up. Look for simple ways to move more – park farther away, take the stairs or do some light movement (marching in place, lifting hand weights) while watching TV. Finding a workout buddy can help, too – it’s more fun, and you’ll be less likely to skip.
“I’ve never liked exercise.”	Any movement is good. Exercise isn’t only running or heavy lifting. Think about what you enjoy – walking outdoors, swimming, dancing, or gardening. Chores can get your heart pumping. The key is to find something you like and that you’ll want to do again.
“I’m not sure how to get started.”	Start small and build from there. Try walking for 15–20 minutes a few days a week to start. And try not to overthink it. Pick an activity you enjoy or have wanted to try and give it a whirl. If you have a heart or other condition or haven’t exercised regularly, ask your care team for guidance.
“I have a heart condition, and I’m not sure how to exercise safely.”	In most cases, being active is both safe and important for your heart health. Still, it’s always smart to talk with your health care team about what’s right for you.
“I don’t want to hurt myself.”	Moving your body every day is important and recommended to keep your heart and blood vessels healthy. If you have any worries about exercising, talk with your care team about where to start and if you need any modifications or changes to your exercise routine.

Last Edited 12/18/2025